Drydocks World to build CSS well intervention vessel

Drydocks World Southeast Asia has won a contract to build a new state-of-the-art oil well intervention Compact Semi-Submersible (CSS) vessel -- its third order from Hallin Marine. The vessel will cost a total of US$110 million.

The contract follows close on the heels of the world's first order for a vessel with the CSS hullform. That was recently placed by Marine Asset Corporation (MAC) with Fujian Mawei Shipyard in southeast China for the construction of a 500 man Compact Semi-Sub Accommodation Vessel.

Designed by STX Canada Marine Inc, the primary function of the diesel/electric CSS ordered by Hallin is to facilitate repair and maintenance to an existing offshore well, via chemical injection on braided lines, extending perforation tunnels and effectively maximizing and extending the productive life of the well.

The CSS is equipped with four fixed-pitch Azimuth thruster units and full DP-3 capacity, which enables automatic as well as manual dynamic positioning/heading control in harsh environmental conditions, and has a multiple inherent fail-safe capability.

Denis Welch, CEO of Drydocks World Southeast Asia, noted that the vessel's main capability of repair and maintenance is aligned with one of Drydocks World's main strengths.

"It will enable the marine equivalent of keyhole surgery to sub-sea oil production systems," said Mr. Welch. "This is an exciting first for Drydocks World, also the first of its kind to be manufactured in Batam.

Other features of the 84 m, 8,200 dwt vessel include an active heave-compensated offshore crane, a single line lifting of SWL (Safe Working Load) 150 tonnes, a complete active heave-compensated, electro-hydraulic Deep Water Lowering System, a five tonnes provision crane and two ROV systems, one launched via the internal moonpool and the other from the vessel's starboard. The CSS can accommodate up to 152 sub-sea team members.

Hallin Chief Executive, John Giddens, said: "Drydocks World has produced two excellent vessels for us in building the Ullswater and the Windermere and its engagement and enthusiasm for the CSS, along with a competitive price, convinced us it was the right company to build our new flagship!"

The Subsea Operations Vessel, Windermere, was completed at Drydocks World's Singapore yard and is to be delivered shortly. The Ullswater was delivered in February 2009.

The contract for the new CSS vessel, classed by ABS, which will be named like its predecessors after one of the 26 lakes in the UK's Lake District, has just been formally signed in Singapore.

Denis Welch concluded: "We are extremely pleased to extend our relationship with Hallin via this contract and we look forward to eventually constructing a fleet which covers the names of all 26 lakes in the Lake District!"